Wagon-reach



(No Model.) I A. H. & R. H. BEACH. v

WAGON REACH.

No. 281,335. Patented July 17, 1883..

20% 1 xuwmkmu euk i RQBWA UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALEXANDER H. BEAGHAND RALPH H. REACH, OF FLINT, MICHIGAN.

WAGON-REACH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 281,335, dated July 17, 1883.

Application filed April 26, 1883.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in the construction of a wagon-reach, by means of which great strength is obtained, coupled with the minimum of weight required, and which can be adjusted to different lengths, as the requirements of its use may demand.

Figure 1 is a perspective View of our improved reach coupled or connected with the rear axle of a wagon. Fig. 2 is a bottom plan View of the parts composing the same, decached. Fig. 3 is a vertical. cross-section on the line :0 a: in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a like crosssection on the line 3 3 in Fig. 1.

Inthe accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, A represents one section of our reach. This section is formed of sheet metal of a suitable length, bent into the form of a three-sided box, the sides of which are parallel, and the ends and bottom left open. The front end of this box is filled with a wood backing, B, to a point just in rear of the position which would be occupied by the fifth-wheel or sway-bars of the wagon,

as shown in Fig. 2. The sheet metal is bent, as'described, to form the top and sides of this section of the reach, the major portion of which is filled with any backing. This construction of this portion of the reach, leaving the rear portion of this section without back ing or filling, furnishes sufficient strength for all practical purposes, and allows of any torsional strain being counteracted by the spring of the hollow or empty portion, which is preferably formed of steel plates.

0 represents the other and rear section of the reach, which is also formed of sheet metal, the metal being so bent as to form the top, sides, and nearlythe entire bottom, leaving, however, in the latter a space between the two edges of the metal. formed by the flanges 0, so as to embrace the partA. V This box so formed is sleeved upon This bottom portion is.

(No model.)

the rear end of the section A, upon which it may have a comparatively free reciprocating motion, and the position of the two, telescoping together as they do, can be regulated by a series of holes in the part A, to receive the bolt 0, by means of which the two are locked together in any desired position. The forward end of the rear section is provided with angular plates D, coincident with each other and secured to the top of this section, and both plates are bolted through their overhanging parts to the hounds E.

The rear end of this reach is bolted to the rear axle and bolster and between the two, so that in lengthening or shortening the reach such lengthening or shortening immediately acts upon the rear axle, and draws it nearer or sends it farther away from the front axle and wheels.

It will readily be seen that this reach can be applied to heavy wagons of any of the known constructions, and it furnishes a strong, durable, and adjustable reach, which cannot be injured by any of the torsional strains to which reaches are sometimes subjected.

We are aware that telescopic adjustable reaches have beenbefore known, and such fea ture is not sought to be broadly covered in this application. We attach importance to the rectangular form of the portion A, and to the corresponding form of the part 0, the latter part having flanges c, which embrace the part A.

These parts, being made of sheet metal, are

readily bent into the forms described, and the whole forms an inexpensive, eflicient, and use ful adjustable reach.

WVhat we claim as our invention is The telescopic reach herein described, consisting of the part A, formed from a single ALEXANDER H. BEACH. RALPH H. BEACH.

- Witnesses:

JNO. S. YOUNGS, A. J. ADAMs. 

